Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer has been cleared to start running and because of that Spencer says he’s “more hopeful” he’ll be ready for the season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 8.

Spencer had left knee surgery on July 25 and hasn’t practiced since.

On Monday the 29-year-old Pro Bowler said he has started doing “a little resistance running” and “a little bit of change of direction” work. He’s also been riding a stationary bike lifting weights and working on an elliptical machine.